modality

noun

mo·​dal·​i·​ty mō-ˈda-lə-tē 

plural modalities

1

a

: the quality or state of being modal

b

: a modal quality or attribute : form

2

: the classification of logical propositions (see proposition sense 1) according to their asserting or denying the possibility, impossibility, contingency, or necessity of their content

3

: one of the main avenues of sensation (such as vision)

4

: a usually physical therapeutic agency

Examples of modality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Hughes also practices somatic experiencing, a psychodynamic modality helping people tap into their bodily sensations as a way of processing emotions. —Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 1 Jan. 2026

The result is a reflection of our careful choices in materials, architecture and modality, which puts us on track to deliver the world’s first commercial scale quantum computer. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 Dec. 2025

The updated charging modality allows for faster, more-efficient energy transfer (in this case, at up to 240 W), with communication between the charger and the battery meant to prevent issues such as overheating and thermal runaway that trigger fires. —IEEE Spectrum, 18 Nov. 2025

Generally, Grabow aimed for two per day, mixing and matching modalities. —Caroline Tien, SELF, 29 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for modality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality

Medical Definition

modality

noun

mo·​dal·​i·​ty mō-ˈdal-ət-ē 

plural modalities

1

: one of the main avenues of sensation (as vision)

2

a

: a usually physical therapeutic agency

b

: an apparatus for applying a modality